When people are asked to define comfort foods, the answer is variable. There are as many variations to the answer as there are individuals who are asked the question. What makes something a comfort food while others are not? Is it related to diet or type of recipe? Is it related to region or country?

At a restaurant, a waitress was asked the question of what she thought of when she was asked about comfort foods. She did not hesitate to answer, "Oh, meat loaf and potatoes, green beans. Stuff like that." When asked to describe how she came to her answer, she said, "These are the things that I had growing up at family meals." It appears she related to meals that she had at home with family.

Comfort foods remind people of home and family. It is food that gives them comfort, a sense of family and home. People think of family gatherings, holidays, and special occasions. It does not necessarily have to do with a secret family recipe (although the secret might be that eating gives members of the family a warm feeling of home). It is not surprising that everyone has an image of a family meal.

Yahoo! News Search Results for comfort foods
Yahoo! News Search Results for comfort foods

Rocco DiSpirito rehabs fatty comfort foods (Lifewise on Canoe)
Rocco DiSpirito used all of his culinary tricks to slash calories from the 150 fatty foods Americans love in his new book, "NOW eat THIS!"
Smithfield Foods sees profit in 3Q, tops forecasts (AP via Yahoo! News)
Smithfield Foods Inc., the nation's largest hog producer and pork processor, reported a profit on Thursday for its third quarter after more than a year of losses.
Ground beef an all-star of comfort foods (Honolulu Advertiser)
There are so many delicious meals to make with ground beef. No doubt you have a favorite spaghetti sauce or chili recipes that use ground beef. Meatloaf and meatballs are the kind of comfort food that's perfect for a Sunday Night Supper. And what about a delicious, hearty combination with fresh Island eggs and locally grown greens for a Sunday brunch?
Smithfield Foods sees profit in 3Q, tops forecasts (Bay News 9 Tampa Bay)
Smithfield Foods returns to 3rd-qtr sales rise overseas, beats Wall Street forecasts
Rosebud goes back to Italian roots (The Beacon News)
The Rosebud eatery in downtown Naperville has returned to its Italian roots. The restaurant, which has been in Naperville since 1993, revamped from Rosebud Burgers and Comfort Foods to Rosebud Italian Specialties and Pizzeria, said general manager Jay DeMarco.
WATCH: More of Rocco's Low-Cal Meal Makeovers (ABC News)
Chef Rocco DiSpirito whips up some comfort foods under 350 calories. Rocco DiSpirito - United States - Business - Hospitality - Food Service
Rosebud returns to its Italian roots (The Courier News)
The Rosebud eatery in downtown Naperville has returned to its Italian roots.The restaurant, which has been in Naperville since 1993, revamped from Rosebud Burgers and Comfort Foods to Rosebud Italian Specialties and Pizzeria, said general manager Jay DeMarco. The new menu is full of Italian favorites and specialties, from the appetizers down through the entrees.
Smallest Finger Foods (Fox News)
New York-based caterer sparks national trend by miniaturizing comfort food, proving size may not matter after all
Falafel Republic Introduces First-Ever Fresh Falafel (Business Wire via Yahoo...
NEEDHAM, Mass.----As America?s fascination with authentic ethnic foods continues to grow, Falafel Republic proudly introduces fresh, fully-cooked falafel in two savory flavors: Traditional and Roasted Garlic.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY BEST-SELLERS (AP via Yahoo! News)
1. "House Rules: A Novel" by Jodi Picoult (Atria)